Ventilation Tube Placement and Balloon Tuboplasty

Ventilation tube placement and balloon tuboplasty; They are surgical interventions applied in cases such as people feeling pain in their ears, tinnitus, hearing loss and muffled sounds. People may experience balance disorder and dizziness along with such symptoms. The aim of the intervention is to restore the function of the Eustachian tube. The symptoms are experienced by people as a result of obstruction of the Eustachian tube. This condition, which is encountered in both children and adults, can cause serious complications if left untreated. As part of the treatment, the fluid accumulated by ventilation tube or balloon tuboplasty is drained into the throat through the Eustachian tube at the end of the treatment.

We will cover detailed information about ventilation tube placement and balloon tuboplasty applications under the following headings:

• What is the Eustachian tube?
• What is ventilation tube placement and balloon tuboplasty?
• How is ventilation tube placement and balloon tuboplasty performed?
• What should be considered after placing a ventilation tube and balloon tuboplasty?

What is the Eustachian Tube?

The Eustachian tube is a structure in the middle ear just behind the eardrum. This structure, which connects the ear with the nasal passage, is filled with air. This structure, which is 3.5 cm in length, facilitates the air flow between the middle ear and the nasal passage when the muscles for swallowing move. Another feature of this structure is to provide the balance between the pressure in the ear and the ambient pressure.

After some situations that occur in the Eustachian tube, this structure is damaged functionally. These conditions include upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, tumor formation and allergic reactions. After the deterioration, the eustachian tube cannot function and because it cannot equalize the external pressure with the middle ear, conditions such as tinnitus, difficulty in hearing, ear congestion, inability to swallow, sleep problems and inward collapse of the eardrum may occur.

What is Ventilation Tube Insertion and Balloon Tuboplasty?

Ventilation tubes are small tubes placed in the ear after disruptions in the Eustachian tube to reduce the risk of infection. These small tubes can already perform the functions that the Eustachian tube is supposed to do. It provides the connection in the flow of the fluid accumulated in the middle ear to the nasal cavity. This greatly reduces the symptoms.

Ventilation tubes are preferred if ear infections have persisted for four months. Balloon tuboplasty is applied to patients who cannot be treated with ventilation tube placement. Especially in children aged 1-3 years, such situations are frequently encountered because the eustachian tube is less developed. Tube application is also made in this age range.

How is Ventilation Tube Placement and Balloon Tuboplasty Performed?

Ventilation tube placement and balloon tuboplasty are the preferred surgical applications after patients have had problems with their Eustachian tubes for three or four months. These applications consist of the following stages:

• First, the patient is examined. The diagnosis is made after listening to the complaints that may be caused by the obstruction in the Eustachian tube.
• It is determined how long the disease has been progressing. Appropriate treatment methods are explained to the patient.
• If the disease persists for a long time, it is decided to put a ventilation tube so that the Eustachian tube can function.
• The operation is performed under general anesthesia.
• The blockage point is detected by the endoscope, and a small hole is made in the eardrum and the tube is inserted.
• The fluid accumulated in the middle ear is discharged this way. Hearing is regained.
• The inserted tubes are expelled from the body by themselves.
• After these procedures, if the patient's obstruction is still not resolved, balloon tuboplasty is applied.
• The application is performed by inflating the balloon placed in the middle ear in order to increase the width of the Eustachian tube. The balloon is then removed when sufficient width is achieved.

What Should Be Considered After Putting a Ventilation Tube and Balloon Tuboplasty?

Putting a ventilation tube is the first method applied for ear infections. In this method, infections are completely eliminated. Regular check-ups are made after the surgery to check whether the infection recurs or not. If there is a recurrent infection, balloon tuboplasty is applied to the patient. In addition, the patient may experience a foreign body sensation due to the tube remaining there after the surgery.

After the surgical operation, antibiotics may be used to prevent the development of infection in the area where the tube is placed. In addition, care should be taken in cases of deformity, bruising or bleeding in this area. However, it may be accompanied by conditions such as constant coughing. If the patient's cough symptoms and shortness of breath progress, a doctor should be consulted for any complications.